Opposition leader critical of PM's comments

The Opposition Leader Fred Fono has described as both unchristian and immoral a statement by the Prime Minister about police personnel serving under the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare had told Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer that his government wanted a full inquiry into the way Australian police Commanders handled the April 18 and 19 riots in Honiara saying they were caught with their pants down and acted negligently.

But reacting to the statement, Mr Fono accuses Mr Sogavare of being unchristian, immoral and unethical implying that the RAMSI officers were caught naked.

Mr Fono says, he is surprised Mr Sogavare chose to use those words especially after he rededicated Solomon Islands to God on the very day he took over the top political job.

Mr Fono adds that it is not a nice thing to say, after-all RAMSI police officers have ensured the return of the rule of law in Solomon Islands after nearly four years of lawlessness.

Australia has spent a lot of money on law and order and the government should appreciate it.

Mr Fono says what the government and RAMSI need is to devise a speedier deployment method to quell further disturbances.

Source: http://www.sibconline.com.sb/main.asp